Danny Roberts, The Grascals’ mando man, has a new CD set for a May release on Mountain Home Music.
Nighthawk highlights Danny’s creative side with ten new tunes for mandolin, and his extra talented family, wife Andrea and daughter Jaelee. Both are fine vocalists, with Andrea having established her bona fides working with bands like Petticoat Junction and Special Consensus, and young Jaelee just now starting to receive the attention she deserves.
Assisting as the core band is Tony Wray on guitar, Kristin Scott Benson on banjo, and Tim Surrett on bass. Danny also welcomes fellow mandolin standouts Sam Bush, Mike Compton, and Ronnie McCoury to each share a track with him. First-rate fiddlers are well-represented as well, with contributions from Adam Haynes, Sam Bush, Jimmy Mattingly and Aubrey Haynie.
Other guests include Paul Harrigill on guitar and Dominic Illingworth on bass.
The primary focus of Nighthawk is on Danny and his smooth, modern mandolin style. But don’t be surprised if Jaelee (12 years old when this album was recorded) generates the lion’s share of the news. Her voice reveals a confidence rare among vocalists in their teens, and a power that is quite striking at any age.
Look for Nighthawk to hit the street on May 20. Audio samples are available on the Crossroads web site, where pre orders can be placed. Radio programmers can download tracks now from Airplay Direct.
